“Linda, I swear he has eyes only for you,” Leslie proclaimed during a Rummikub game.

                Of course, I had seen Sammy watching me carefully, especially as I prepared his meals. I had seen it so often that I didn’t really see the truth of Leslie’s statement.

                But ever since the comment was made, I have paid closer attention to my dog’s steadfast gaze as it follows me around the room. His dark-eyed expression holds profound trust and affection. It draws my heart to him.

                Do not true lovers gaze at each other in much the same way with trusting affection? And is not the heart drawn to the one who favors another with such loving glances?

                Taking the notion further, I thought of myself in Sammy’s place. Like him, I am a creature, mirroring the Creator– one who is needy in every way and often unaware of the relationship that Almighty God desires to have with me.

                Yet, when I do become aware of how much God loves me–taking my penalty for sin upon Himself, giving His Holy Spirit to keep me from sin’s power, and one day removing me from the presence of sin—do I look at Him as Sam looks at me? Do I love and trust Jesus as much as Sammy loves and trusts me? Do I have eyes only for Him?

                And then I took the thought even further. How does Jesus look at me? Me for whom He died, for whom he rose from the dead, for whom he prepares a heavenly home. 

Can it be that He looks at me with deep affection and devotion as my little dog looks at me? An incredible notion!!

Abba Father, Thank you for using sweet Sammy to show me how you love and regard me. How amazing it is! I want to steadily look at You with the same devoted, trusting love that he shows me. See my gaze and be blessed by it.       For the Savior’s sake, Amen